Maybe the Koreans were looking at other ways around this potential crypto ban by joining Steemit? Ultimately, Steemit is a social media platform that pays out to content creators and curators in Steem/STD, so they can say to their government that they are just interacting on a social media platform and not doing any harm. They will get Steem for participation, but that is because the blockchain for this crypto allows it and rewards their users. No gambling involved here as one does not need to put in their own money into Steem at any time, yet it does help if you do with influence etc.
This community will grow once people spread the word and others find it.